Without any doubts, the IT industry is one of the highly volatile platforms in the world. But at the same time, it is also among the fastest growing industries. So, qualified professionals are always in great demand. If you are an IT professional, earning a certification marks a huge step towards cementing your status in the industry and improving your credibility in the long run. As they say, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a signal step, so it is for IT certifications.
Earning highly covetable credentials such as CCIEorMCSE demands hard work and great commitment. It all begins with the attainment of low-level certifications. To make the whole process a lot easier for you, ExamSnap has covered some of the best entry-level credentials to help you kickstart your IT career. So, if you are ready to explore the IT world, then here we go!
1. Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals
With Azure speedily becoming one of the hottest prospects in the contemporary IT sphere, Microsoft deemed it fit to streamline its certification programs to adopt a role-focused approach. Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals certification is ideal for individuals looking to jumpstart their career in technology or those pondering over a change of specialty.
This credential best suits individuals who are looking to authenticate their elementary knowledge of the Azure cloud services. This certification covers the entire scope of Azure basics to equip you with the relevant knowledge you will need when treading this path.
To attain your certification, you will have to pass exam AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals. This is an 85-minute exam that tests your knowledge of a wide range of concepts related to Azure services. These include core Azure services, cloud concepts, security, compliance, privacy, and trust. Exam AZ-900 costs $99 and Microsoft highly recommends that you prepare adequately for the test before scheduling it. You can check out the training materials on the ExamSnap website before starting your preparation. On ExamSnap, you will find practice questions and answers along with the study guide.
2. Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) Certification
Attaining the CCT credential gives you an edge over the rest as it validates your skills to effectively carry out onsite support and maintenance ofCisco networking. That being said, CiscoCertified Technicians pride themselves on diagnosing, restoring, repairing, and replacing vital Cisco networking and system devices at the sites of their customers. These professionals work in collaboration with the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC)to efficiently resolve support incidents.
Cisco provides two paths leading to the CCT certification, and you can settle for the most suitable option based on your career goals. The two paths are – Data Center, and Routing and Switching. Pursuing the CCT Data Center certification is a smart move if you are looking to support and maintain the Cisco integrated computing systems and servers. The CCT Routing and Switching certification, on the other hand, entails on-site support and maintenance of Cisco routers, operating environments, and switches. Exams for both CCT paths (010-151 DCTECH for Data Center and 640-692 RSTECH for Routing and Switching) will cost you $125 each.
3. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)Routing & Switching Certification
A successful networking career begins with the CCNARouting and Switching certification. The roles of the core network engineer are constantly evolving and this makes it only necessary to pursue credentials that will keep you relevant in the IT sphere.
It might be only an entry-level credential, but earning the CCNA Routing and Switching certification is more than just a way of acquiring the knowledge of foundational technologies. It maintains your credibility in the IT sphere and helps you adopt new technologies quickly. To attain your certification, you can either take one composite exam 200-125 CCNA ($325) or two separate exams 100-105 ICND1and 200-105ICND2 ($165 each).
4. CompTIA ITF+
The CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) best suits motivated individuals looking to kickstart their careers in the IT industry or those yearning for switching career paths. The associated exam FC0-U61 is aimed at authenticating your foundational IT knowledge and giving you an overview of what the IT sphere actually looks like. You can also pass the previous version of the exam, FC0-U51.
The CompTIA ITF+ certification exam covers a wide range of concepts such as networks, IT concepts and terminology, infrastructure, security, applications and software, computing, software development, and database fundamentals. ITF+ cannot serve as a prerequisite for other CompTIA credentials, but this certification offers the perfect starting point if you are looking to tread the CompTIA certification path. The exam fee is $119.
5. CompTIA A+ Certification
The CompTIA A+ credential is the industry standard for building a career in the IT platform. Earning it qualifies you to serve in various IT operational and technical support roles such as field service technician, support specialist, help desk support, and desktop support analyst.
Obtaining this certification depicts you as an individual who can troubleshoot and solve varied problems with mobile devices, security, operating systems, and networking. The CompTIA A+ certification is focused on nine major IT skills. These include hardware, windows operating systems, software troubleshooting, networking, hardware, network troubleshooting, security, mobile devices, operational procedures, and operating system technologies. To attain your certification, you will have to pass either 220-901 and 220-902 or 220-1001 and 220-1002 tests. Regardless of what option you choose you will have to pay $219 per exam.
6. Apple Certified Associate (ACA) Certification
Apple certifications are an invaluable addition to your resume which hiring managers will never fail to recognize. The Apple Certified Associate – Mac Integration is designed for resellers, IT professionals, consultants, and system integrators looking to sell or integrate Mac computers into a Windows environment.
In a nutshell, this certification authenticates your skills to integrate a Mac within a Windows-based network. To attain your certification, you will have to pass the Mac Integration Basics exam. This is a computer-based test that can be taken from any location with broadband, cable, or DSL connection. The fee for this test is $65.
7. PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification
Over the years, the Project Management Institute has built an unparalleled reputation as one of the leading providers of top certifications. And one of its highly sought-after credentials is the entry-level Certified Associate in Project Management certification.
It’s beyond doubt that many organizations worldwide require their employees to have project management skills to supervise technical projects. To get your CAPM, you will have to possess a secondary degree and have 1,500 hours of experience in projects or complete a minimum of 23 hours of project management education before taking your exam. The exam fee is $225 for members and $300 for non-members.
Final Thoughts
With such a variety of great entry-level certifications, there could be no better time to kickstart your career in the IT platform. Take the
initiative today and choose a path that aligns with your career to bring your goals to fruition. With reliable websites such as ExamSnap, readily available to help you prepare for youth certification exams in the best way, what exactly are you waiting for?